The Midlife Fashionista: midlife

Whippletree Winery

Laurie and I go way back. As a matter of fact, we've been friends since our college days at U-Mass Amherst where we affectionally nick-named each other Laurannadanna and Zannadanna (I was Zanna). We were CRAZY in those days. We partied hard (sorry Mom) and yet we both graduated Magna Cum Laude. I have no idea how we pulled it off!

Life took us in some of the same, yet different directions. We both studied to be social workers. We married, divorced and remarried again. And in mid-life our careers did a 360 . I started a side gig as a wardrobe stylist and blogger (and then a non-profit director) and Lauranna started a winery.

Whippletree Winery in Tamworth, NH is the brainchild of Laurie and her business partner Yvonne. A few weeks ago, Richard and I were in the area visiting friends, so we all took a trip over to see Laurie and to do some wine-tasting.

Whippletree wants you to feel at at home. They actually call themselves the "at home winery"! Filled with cool antiques and quaint nooks and crannies, it's a warm and cozy place to hang out. Its like the old tv show Cheers where "everyone knows your name".

Meet Yvonne, co-owner of Whippletree Winery

How cozy is this bar? Pretty darn cozy!

I loved chatting with the "regulars".

Meet the "wines"....

Who doesn't want to drink a wine called "Bossy".

Richard says it's perfect for me!

Here are some of my favorites.

You have NEVER tasted wine like this!

From the dry red wine Fierce ("she creeps, she pounces, she bites!") to Sweet Treat Rose, which tastes like cotton candy (YUM!) there is something for everyone--even non-wine drinkers.

Could it be that after all these years we are still dressing alike?

And there's Lauranna making the wine!

As you can see, the wine is very reasonably priced. I haven't tasted this one yet, but I need to!

That's my friend Laurie (yep another Laurie) on the left.

We had so much fun wine-tasting with Laurie in the middle.

We had to leave a bit early because it started snowing. But of course I had to buy a few bottles--ok maybe more than a few.

If you're up in New Hampshire, a stop at Whippletree Winery is a MUST. You'll love hanging with Laurie and Yvonne tasting some of the best wine around.

We may be almost 40 years older (gulp) but we're still a little crazy. Love you Lauranna!

For more on Whippletree Winery visit their website here.

XO Susan

My hair is by Robert Jason Salon.

Monday, February 18, 2019
5 Comments

Hair loss

hair product review

My grandmother started losing a good deal of her hair when she was in her 50's. By the time she was in her 70's, she was almost completely bald. It's always been in the back of my mind that I too could experience hair loss since it's in my family. But because my hair is super thick, I didn't really worry too much. Wrong.

Enter menopause-complete with hormonal changes, and guess what? My hair is thinning and it's scaring the daylights out of me! Not to gross you out, but this is what comes off my brush and into the trash every few days....A LOT of hair!

It's frightening to lose your hair. Although I still have lots of locks, I am starting to notice that my bangs are not as thick as they used to be--my hairline is receding! I can also see more scalp along the part where I sweep my hair to the side. In addition, my hair has become drier and doesn't have the shine and luster it used to.

Gee thanks menopause!

Hair loss may be a physical issue, but it can also take an emotional toll on women. It's one of those things that isn't talked about enough because it can feel a bit embarrassing. It can also do a job on a woman's self-esteem and confidence. After all women pride themselves on their hair. For me, it's part of my identity.

But it's time to break the silence and talk about something that affects so many women...by the way 40% of hair loss suffers ARE WOMEN!

So when Keranique reached out to me to test out their hair products, I was eager to see what they could do. The thought of stronger healthier hair was intriguing. I ordered their Ultimate Nurishing and Volumizing System (only $49!) to see if it lived up to its claim of improving and strengthening hair. I have to admit that I was skeptical. There are a lot of products out there that promise results.

I've been using this system for several weeks now and all I can say is "wow". My hair is silky, shiny and actually seems more voluminous. I've noticed less breakage which means fewer strands on my brush! There is a huge difference in how my hair looks and feels.

Can you see how much the left side is receding? Yikes!

I can't believe I'm sharing this photo.

Here's how the system works...

I start with the Scalp Stimulating Shampoo, which feels so good on the scalp and is made exclusively for women with thinning hair. I then follow with the Keranique Volumizing Keratin Conditioner, which is a very light product that doesn't weigh hair down, but adds visible volume. The Follicle Boosting Serum and Marula Hair Oil Mist (phenomenal product!) follow to add shine and keep hair healthy and strong for when hair is strong, there is less breakage. By the way, these products are all sulfate-free making them color and Brazilian Blow-out safe (I do both).

The kit also includes Keranique's Daily Essentials which is a special to supplement to enhance healthy hair from the inside.

The results are amazing. My hair has never felt better. Just like an anti-aging treatment for the skin, Keranique is one for the hair.

This system gets two big thumbs up from me.

I really love it.

For more a more intensive treatment, Keranique also has a Hair Re-Growth System which contains a product with 2% Minoxidil, an FDA approved ingredient that is clinically proven to regrow hair in women. This will probably be the next step for me. I really want to fill in the sparse areas around my hairline before all of my bangs disappear!

"Here's" to stronger, healthier and MORE hair.

XO Susan

#keranique #keraniquehair #hairlosssolution #hairthinning, #hairlossawreness

This blog was sponsored by Keranique but all thoughts and opinions are solely mine. I only post about products that I love...promise!

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
9 Comments

Conture Me--Part One

anti-aging

This blog is the first in a three-part series about a new technology in skincare called Conture. Conture asked me to review their Kinetic Skin toning system and I eagerly said YES! I am always looking for new ways to de-age, tighten and tone my skin without invasive treatments. It's not that I'm against cosmetic surgery...I'm just a big chicken! So when I researched the Conture system and read the feedback, I was excited to give it a test drive.

I'll be blogging a few more times about how things are going, but here's my initial response after using the system for a little over a week.

The device looks like a mini-blowdryer. It's small, lightweight and easy to figure out. By the way, I have the 3-speed version.

I read the instructions, watched the video and got right to it.

My skin isn't horrible, but at 55 I am showing the obvious (and not so obvious) signs of aging. My neck is falling, crows feet are sprouting and my skin does not have the elasticity of even a year ago.

Conture is easy to use. You start with a clean face, then use their Kenetic Serum on the area you want to treat. I always start with my cheeks. The device pulls the skin in (almost like a vacuum) ----gives three pulses, then you move on to the next area section by section. I do my face, eyes and neck in a little over 5 minutes twice a day (morning and night). It's easy and fast. Although I've only been using it for a little over a week, I do believe it's working. I've noticed that my neck doesn't look quite as droopy and my skin glows. I actually had someone ask me if I had just had a facial!

One week into the treatment and no make-up!

So it's probably too early to tell what the full effects will be--but so far, so good!

More to come!

XO Susan

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This blog is sponsored by Conture, however, the content of my posts are based on my own honest opinions and are not in any way influenced by partnerships.